The EHS Crow Foundation hopes to teach and inspire students through their non-profit organization, which was formed in 2016. They intend to do this along with certified instructors who are capable of aiding them in teaching high school students construction skills. The instructors that teach these students must receive their certification through the National Center for Construction Education and Research Program. The training involves the use of the NCCER training modules that offer a more hands-on approach to their training.
Founder Garry Hughes wants to begin the training with 10th– 12th graders. His goal is to introduce them to craft skills like plumbing, electrical, construction, and air-conditioning. He has indicated that he would like to eventually include robotics and mechanical industry training. Reports indicate that there is a great need for men and women who possess the craftsmanship to handle such jobs. There is an emphasis on the construction industry since it offers a good salary. There are also a lot of college graduates who graduate and never put their degree to good use. Later, they find themselves in serious debt. On the other hand, when someone becomes certified through NCCER, they immediately begin to reap the benefits because they can begin working and earning money right away.
The program takes homes that they have received from the local tax offices in Atascosa County, which have been provided to the Crow Foundation. They use these properties to provide students with hands-on construction training. After the job has been completed and final home renovations have been made, the homes are sold or rented to single mothers, low-to-middle income families, and military veterans.
Training Benefits More than Atascosa Students
This program stands to benefit everyone involved. People are able to become homeowners. Residents who are unemployed will receive employment, helping to improve the economy. Once people are working and they have a place to live, there tends to be a decline in the crime rate. The city makes money from the program because local construction companies receive newly certified and skilled workers, who are ready and eager to join the workforce. The community benefits because those who never thought they would be able to own a home can now become homeowners through the affordable housing options offered through the program. Finally, the money from the sales and rental of these newly renovated homes benefit the foundation since all earnings go directly back to the foundation. This money, in turn, is used to buy more houses to renovate.
This program is designed for both young men and women. Hughes realizes that females are often overlooked when it comes to these kinds of employment opportunities. Instructors are sourced through referrals from the (TAP) Transition Assistance Program offered through area military bases. The TAP program helps military personnel learn the skills needed to re-enter the workforce again. Those instructors who are chosen receive the necessary training and become certified to train students in the fields previously highlighted. There is currently a need for more instructors. Interested ones can call 972-849-8326 or email ehscrow@yahoo.com.